Model tested: Land Rover Discovery 2.7 TDV6 HSE
Price: £43,540
Tested: September 2006
Road tester: Stuart Milne

Overall rating: 82%
Launched in 1989 as an affordable younger brother to the Range Rover, the Discovery has been a huge success. The latest Discovery 3 stays true to its original ethos, but boasts more luxury, style and driving dynamics.

1. Looks
The new Discovery 3 really looks the part and it's packed full of great design features, like the Range Rover-esque nose, an asymmetrical rear window plus a split-opening tailgate.
9/10

2. Looks inside
After the great exterior, the cabin disappoints as some plastics feel cheap – but it's robust. The multitude of buttons can be confusing, but the 'stadium seating' allows rear passengers to get a good view ahead.
7/10

3. Practicality
Our seven-seat Discovery proved practical; two full-time rows of seats could be joined by a third row with space for two fully-grown adults. The Discovery can swallow 2,558 litres of luggage and there's lots of space for oddments.
9/10

4. Ride and Handling
Unlike many 4x4s, the Discovery 3 is very car-like to drive. We didn't sample its off-road abilities, but we know it's a cracker in the mud and ruts.
8/10

5. Performance
This diesel-engined Discovery can reach 60mph from standstill in 11 seconds and hit a 112mph top speed – its thumping 325lb/ft of torque sees to that.
8/10

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6. Running Costs
Despite its girth, our 2.7-litre diesel test car can average 30mpg, insurance is group 14 and it sits in tax band G.
7/10

7. Reliability
The previous Discovery had a reputation for breaking down, but the new model seems to have these problems licked. It feels very well screwed together; the doors shut with a solid-sounding 'thunk'.
8/10

8. Safety
The Disco 3 missed out on a five-star EuroNCAP rating there are front and side airbags for the driver and passenger plus side and curtain 'bags for all three rows. There are also ESP and brake assist.
8/10

9. Equipment
Our range-topping HSE featured a 7-Seat Pack, Bright Pack (automatic headlights, rain sensing 'wipers and auto-dimming rear view mirror) and an excellent 14-speaker Harmon/Kardon stereo. Leather trim, sat-nav, climate control, electric windows and mirrors plus 19-inch alloys are also standard.
9/10

10. X-Factor
The Disco HSE costs over £40,000 – about half the price of the flashiest Range Rover. But it's far more than half the car. It looks fantastic and is more than capable of standing wheel-to-wheel with its superstar brother. It's one of the best 4x4s yet from Land Rover, which makes it one of the best 4x4s anywhere.
9/10